Date of Submission
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Health Science
Department
Health Sciences
First Advisor
Pavani Rangachari, Ph.D., CPH
Second Advisor
Michele Smallidge, Ed.D., RD
Third Advisor
Reena Kelly, Ph.D., MHA
MeSH
Emotional Intelligence, Burnout, Psychological, Nurses
LCSH
Emotional intelligence, Burn out (Psychology), Nurses
Abstract
This study aims to examine the relationship between the emotionality component of trait emotional intelligence (EI) and occupational burnout. Burnout syndrome is defined as feelings of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low personal accomplishment that most commonly affect those professions requiring a high degree of emotional labor. The side effects of burnout in a healthcare setting have proven costly to healthcare organizations due to poor staff retention, staff shortages and at times suboptimal patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic worked to exacerbate a preexisting condition and the urgency of healthcare organizations to reevaluate their approach towards burnout is made apparent by the American Nurses Association’s estimate that in 2021 as many as 62% of U.S. nurses displayed symptoms. Past research has done well to identify factors contributing to higher likelihood of burnout be they environmental or organizational. Additionally, significant research has been focused on the prevention of burnout through the alleviation of stressors and programs such as organizational wellness initiatives. However, there has been limited research on the innate coping mechanisms one might possess through elevated levels of EI and specifically the emotionality trait component. Utilizing two validated survey instruments, this study identifies the emotionality component of trait EI as possessing a significant negative correlation with the presence of burnout among a sample of nursing staff. Trait EI is an individual’s beliefs pertaining to their emotions. The emotionality component encompasses one’s trait emotions of empathy, emotional perception, emotional expression, and lastly one’s ability to form fulfilling personal relationships. Trait emotions lend themselves well to patient care. This finding suggests that future researchers might take into consideration the emotionality trait and its role in the mitigation of occupational burnout through training initiatives or possible hiring practices.
Recommended Citation
Millard, Timothy, "Relationship Between Trait Emotional Intelligence and Burnout Among Nurses" (2024). Health Science Doctoral Thesis. 10.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/healthscidocthesis/10